by Wilson Kubwayo, published in the Argus Leader
Dear Sioux Falls,
I might not be old enough to know your full story
But I am young enough to write a new story
Young and wild I came to this beautiful city
I first hated you and grew weary
That’s because I faced unimaginable situations that blurred my mirror
I crashed in reality but I never died in my dreams
I admit it, I have more good things to say about Sioux Falls than bad things
However, I wouldn’t have chosen snow for my first Christmas gift
In winter, you would think the sun takes a vacation in the west
Even birds fly upside down to protect their wings from the cold
I don’t say this to be more charming
Older people don’t care much about winter, they are concerned
about sneezing and not peeing at the same time
Soon I too will get old,
I know death will say, “about time”
My news might not be relevant
But I recently heard South Dakotans don’t like immigrants, now it
makes sense why I’m always asked if my real name is Wilson.
It’s sad because I wish it didn’t make any difference
Maybe I was taught wrong that it takes a village
I plan to love you more by killing negative thoughts of who I am with my message
Believe me it’s a nice little prayer, I plan to bring my incense.
You have changed me and that’s the reason I smile
Young and wild, I was heading in the wrong direction
I wonder why I never questioned my conscience
I was so hurt from the invisible pain I never had enough time to pay attention to my reaction
I remember unwillingly fasting in the refugee camp I was only ten
I didn’t keep track because we were taught that fasting is good for the soul
See, fasting is supposed to be for the rich being in the shoes of the poor,
I never understood why my family fasted when we were the poor
Trivialized feels like you are burning in a melting pot
Seeking refuge was our only hope
Some say you reap what you sew
Without seeds, you feel empty and cold
All your heart longs for is a glimpse of love
I’m still thankful for not questioning my needs
At thirteen, my family came to this country
You gave me a chance to blossom on the family tree
I want to make my future bright
Sioux Falls is the city that became my light
I was changed by you who chose to take me as I am
Raised in the cage, but you showed me love at first glance
With all my due diligence I plan to do the same
Sioux Falls is dope, y’all
Sioux Falls is a place of hope
As I grow, I find myself in need to do more
Trust me, I am here not to steal but to build for the city that I love.
Sioux Falls